Financial Literacy Workshops: IRC Provides the Tools to Work Towards Self-Sufficiency

IRC-LA, in collaboration with a local Wells Fargo branch, has started providing financial literacy class for clients. Financial education fosters financial stability for individuals, families, and entire communities. The more people know about credit and banking services, the more likely they are to increase savings, buy homes, and improve their financial health and well being.
 
Karmen, a local Branch Manager and dedicated IRC-LA volunteer, runs these monthly workshops. Last session, she began by asking the participants if they had any questions from the other workshops she had led. Once satisfied that clients had fully understood previous lectures, she launched into discussions about social security numbers and how to avoid fraud. Karmen also discussed debit and credit cards, and the advantages and disadvantages of using them in different places. IRC clients raised many questions, and Karmen gave thorough responses to each. 
 
Vahik, a client from Iran, had this to say about the workshop: “The time I spend here is so useful for me, I learn a lot. The questions others raise can make me sit back and think; it is usually something I never thought of until that moment! Meeting new people and interacting with them also makes me very happy!”